Acrylic vs Fiberglass Bathtub

 

When purchasing a bathtub or bathtub liner, the type of material that it is made of may not always be a top consideration. Color will be a factor, as will shape. Material often gets overlooked, because the differences and subtleties are not as immediately apparent as are those in color, shape, or other visual factors. We'd like to highlight for you the main considerations for two of the most popular materials for bathtubs: Acrylic and Fiberglass. 

You may not be familiar with either term. Fiberglass is known for being used in a variety of vehicles, including boats and bicycles, while acrylic is perhaps most commonly known for acrylic paint. But how much do you know about each with regards to bathtubs? Both are synthetic plastics, and yet there are marked differences in the bathtubs they produce. Let's explore Acrylic vs Fiberglass bathtubs:

ACRYLIC BATHTUBS

• High-Gloss - Acrylic tubs are smooth and have great light-reflection. High-gloss means that the tub will retain its "shine" in your bathroom over time, and will continue to be smooth to the touch. 
• Scratch-Resistant - A scratch resistant surface means that an acrylic tub will not incur scratches and nicks from abrasive contact and normal wear and tear. Scratch-resistant does not mean that it is invincible to scratches, however, with standard cleaning and maintenance, an acrylic tub can last a lifetime. 
• Durable - In addition to being scratch-resistant, an acrylic bathtub is highly durable and will not develop cracks. this is especially important for tubs because a crack in a bathtub results in a leak, which brings about a host of other problems. 
• Think About This! The President of the United States' motorcade, as well as the Pope's booth-vehicle are both protected by acrylic material - talk about trusted for durability and strength!

FIBERGLASS BATHTUBS

• Low Shine - Fiberglass tubs don't retain shine and smoothness as well as their acrylic counterparts. This means that, while brand new they might look great, over time a fiberglass tub will take on a dull look and feel. 
• Prone to Cracks from Stress - It's no guarantee that a fiberglass bathtub will incur a crack after a certain period of time, but it will be prone to cracking from continued use and stress - and with cracking comes leaking. 
• Light - Part of the allure of fiberglass is how light, and yet how strong it is as a material. while this may be desirable for vehicles that require movement, like motorboats or bicycles, it does not necessarily act as a benefit for a stationary bathtub. Once installed, you will hardly notice how light or how heavy the tub is. 
• Inexpensive - A true advantage of fiberglass bathtubs is how inexpensive they can be. If buying on a budget, or looking for a short-term solution, then fiberglass can be very appealing but you compromise on quality. 

Conclusion

Both can be great options depending on your needs. Fiberglass might be a short-term investment, but acrylic is the stronger material overall that will maintain a high-quality look and protect your investment against cracks, leaks, and other damage.